Info Brief May 2025 – Paddleboard Safety Guidance Following Recent Prosecution of a Paddleboard Company Owner

Following the tragic deaths four people taking part in a paddleboarding activity on a flooded river in 2021, the company owner and sole director was charged the gross negligence manslaughter of the four paddleboarders and was jailed for 10 years and six months.

The case highlighted a lack of correct instructor qualifications and competence, a lack of suitable and sufficient risk assessments, robust instructions or procedures, no safety briefings, incorrect safety equipment used, ignoring severe weather warnings and hazardous river conditions due to heavy rainfall, and therefore the risk of death was foreseeable.

In response to this incident, we have written our info brief to outline key findings and paddleboard safety guidance recommendations from the investigation, as well as health and safety requirements to mitigate the risks associated with paddleboarding – whether you provide paddleboarding activities at your facility or simply need to be aware of the associated risks as part of your broader health & safety responsibilities.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) provided the following summary of key findings and recommendations,

• Inadequate planning and preparation: The tour leaders failed to recognise the extreme hazard posed by the weir. Their planning did not adequately assess the risks associated with the river conditions and the weir’s hydraulic features.
• Insufficient signage: There was a lack of adequate signage at the launch point and along the river to warn participants of the dangers associated with descending the weir.
• Improper equipment use: Participants’ clothing, buoyancy aids, and leash usage did not align with recognised safety guidance, potentially contributing to the fatalities.
• Lack of qualifications: The tour leaders lacked the necessary training, experience, or qualifications to lead the tour safely, especially in the challenging conditions presented by the weir.
• Inconsistent safety governance: The report highlighted inconsistencies in UK SUP (Stand Up Paddleboards) safety messaging and training governance, leaving participants unable to assess the proficiency of training and tour providers.

The MAIB recommended that Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Port Authority, conduct an immediate risk assessment of Haverfordwest Town Weir. Suggested control measures include improved signage, warning marker buoys, and possibly physical barriers to mitigate risks to river users.

The report advised UK national sports councils to identify appropriate organisations to act as the national governing body for SUP. This body should develop and publish a Guide to Good Practice, including safety management criteria for recognition.

This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance and need for proactive health and safety measures. Comprehensive risk assessments, clear and thorough planning (including emergency action planning), proper equipment,  appropriate qualifications, competency and robust training (including safety briefings and instructions) and consistent safety governance in water sports activities which are not just legal obligations – they are essential steps to protect lives.

Also, guidance and training for water sports instructors and participants is available from national sport governing bodies including the British Stand-Up Paddle Association, British Canoeing and the British Kite Surfing Association.  Anyone organising adventure activities for under-18s must be licenced by the Adventure Activities Licencing Authority.

Further information of the case can be found on both the IOSH and Health and Safety Executive’s websites, see links below for more paddleboard safety guidance:

Paddleboard tour leader jailed over deaths of four people – HSE Media Centre

Paddleboard instructor jailed for 10.5 years – what can we learn from the case? | IOSH magazine

If you need paddleboard safety guidance or general health and safety support, our team is here to help. We can provide specialised site-specific advice and guidance, included in our general health & safety support packages. Please contact info@rightdirections.co.uk or 01582 840098 for more information.

Read the PDF version here: Paddleboard Company Prosecution_Info Brief May 2025